Special Education Identification

Who can make a request?

The child's parent/guardian or teacher(s) may initiate the request for an initial evaluation.

When can a request be made?

Requests can be made at any time.

How do I make request? 

You can start at the school level by connecting with your child’s teacher, school counselor or administrator to discuss your concerns.

For preschool-aged children (3-5), or homeschooled and private school students within Jeffco boundaries, you can also contact Child Find directly at 303-982-7247.

Does the request need to be in writing?

There is no requirement that a parent's request for an evaluation be in writing.

Do I need to suspect a specific disability?

Requesting an evaluation isn’t about whether a child will qualify for special education, it’s about whether there’s enough reason to look into it.

The bar for concern is low, and many signs can lead to an evaluation. These might include concerns shared during enrollment, changes in behavior, academic struggles, a medical diagnosis, mental health challenges, frequent discipline, or parent input.

Even things like failing grades or a tough time with a 504 plan can be reasons to take a closer look.

Is a meeting required?

A referral meeting must be scheduled anytime a request is made, even if no one from the school suspects a disability. The meeting should be scheduled within 10 days of receiving the request. 

What is the purpose of the meeting? 

The main goal is to look at information about your child to see if there might be a disability affecting their learning. It helps guide decision-making and explains the IDEA evaluation process. Any data for the referral meeting should help the team answer questions about the student's educational performance and whether the data demonstrates a suspected disability.

Who attends the meeting?

Referral meetings include the requester, the parent/guardian, general education teacher, and special education and related service providers for the areas of concern. Other important participants include Gifted and Talented (GT) staff and English language acquisition staff when relevant. 

What data is reviewed?

Data reviewed can include intervention data, discipline, attendance, school history, state and district assessments, and any outside reports provided by the family.

MTSS/RTI may not be used to delay or deny a full and individual evaluation for a child suspected of having a disability. If a student is receiving interventions, this data is reviewed and interventions continue if the team decides to evaluate.

Based on the data reviewed, the team discusses whether a disability is suspected.

• Suspected Disability: If the team suspects a disability (or disabilities) based on the data, the next step is to evaluate in the areas of suspected disability. The team should explicitly identify what disabilities are suspected based on the referral data. You will be asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The evaluation process and potential IEP process will be explained at the referral meeting.
• No Suspected Disability: The outcome of the referral meeting can be a consensus that an evaluation is not needed as there is no suspected disability. If the team determines there is no suspected disability, this decision is documented in writing on a Prior Written Notice (PWN). 

The steps following the referral meeting are as follows:

1. Consent for Evaluation
2. Evaluation for Eligibility
3. Determine Eligibility
   • If Eligible: the team will Develop an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). To qualify under IDEA, the student must have one of the 13 listed disability categories, the disability must adversely affect educational performance, and the student must require specialized instruction and related services.
   • If Not Eligible: a Prior Written Notice (PWN) is issued.

By understanding these steps, you can effectively participate in the special education referral process for your child within Jeffco Public Schools.